by Ms. Marie

Created on: January 03, 2011   Last Updated: January 05, 2011

A parents skills often determines our perception of what we owe our parents, and that can range from nothing at all to respect and gratitude.  The relationship between a parent and child is based on emotions, which could result in healthy or unhealthy feelings as a child grows and matures.

If human beings were perfect, parents should have and would have children who grow up with an unconditional love, respect and appreciation for their parents.  Because family history, economical, educational and societal circumstances have an impact on us, it has a domino effect on each individuals parenting skills.  Thus, when asked what do we owe our parents, the answers are based on personal experiences and the relationship between child and parent.

Children who are raised by emotionally abusive parents may have low self-esteem and an internal resentment for their parents, and if that contempt grows that child may very well grow up to be disrespectful and abusive towards their parent.  Single parenting may result in a child feeling that they owe their life to their parent regardless of how they were treated or raised. 

On the other hand, a responsible parent who is strict yet loving and instills a healthy set of values and morals in the child will earn the respect, love and gratitude of their children.  However, with so many teen parents, who are not mature enough to fully understand the emotional and psychological needs of a child, the number of children who are growing up unruly is increasing. 

What do we owe our parents?  We should love, respect and honor our parents.  Things have changed, and the family unit is almost non-existent today.  Today, many single parents raising children alone are struggling to pay the bills and keep a roof over their head, this leaves many them feeling stressed out, and it redirects their attention.  Many parents today are focused on earning a living, rather than parenting. 

We also have an epidemic of legal and illegal drug use and addiction, this effects parenting skills and how kids feel about their parents. Some children feel neglected, angry and a need to fend for themselves while other children of addicts take on the responsibility of their parents; reverse-role parenting leads a child to feel they owe it to their mom or dad to take care of them.

So, you may agree that there is really no single answer to what we owe our parents; unless we become judgmental and inflict our beliefs on society as a whole.  The question is a rather personal one based on each child's reality. 

Learn more about this author, Ms. Marie.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.